Hudson Swafford is expected to be released by LIV Golf after a dismal season on the rebel tour – with the 37-year-old now unlikely to be welcomed back by the PGA Tour
Hudson Swafford is expected to be released by LIV Golf after a dismal season on the rebel tour – with the 37-year-old now unlikely to be welcomed back by the PGA Tour Hudson Swafford is expected to be released by LIV Golf after a dismal season on the rebel tour – with the 37-year-old now unlikely to be welcomed back by the PGA Tour
Hudson Swafford won’t be making a swift comeback to the PGA Tour with his LIV Golf future in doubt – and it appears Scottie Scheffler won’t be shedding any tears over his departure.
The 37-year-old is set to be let go by the Saudi-backed tour following a disappointing 2024 season, which saw him finish a lowly 55th out of 57 players in the individual standings. His best performance this year was at the inaugural LIV event in Mayakoba, Mexico, where he tied for 36th place.
Swafford had been given a wildcard for the season after missing most of 2023 due to hip surgery, which should have exempted him from relegation from Greg Norman’s venture. However, it seems the LIV bosses will not be renewing his contract.
The American played in the first-ever LIV event at Centurion in June 2022, but his defection two years ago resulted in an indefinite suspension from the PGA Tour. He now faces a 12-month wait before he can apply to rejoin the status quo, and is unlikely to be welcomed back warmly after attempting to take legal action against the circuit shortly after his move to LIV.
Swafford was one of three American professionals, including Talor Gooch and Matt Jones, who went to court in an attempt to overturn their PGA Tour bans so they could compete in the lucrative FedEx Cup playoffs. Their appeal was rejected by a district judge, leading to a harsh critique of the trio from Scheffler.
“It’s one of those deals where those guys kind of made their decision to go join another tour and they broke the rules and regulations of our tour,” he said. “Now they’re trying to sue us. It is definitely more than a bit frustrating. I heard that was going to happen and I know some guys aren’t surprised to see it, but I definitely am surprised to see some guys now suing us.”
Hudson Swafford has struggled for form in 2024
(
Image:
Getty Images)
The two-time Masters champion has always been adamant he belongs on the PGA Tour, and unlike star names Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, has shown little sign of going back on his word. “For me, I feel like the PGA Tour is the best place to play,” he said after LIV Golf launched.
“My dream was to play on the PGA Tour. My dream was never to maximise my financial benefits. I feel very blessed and fortunate to play golf and get paid for it, so for me, I’m not looking to go out and do anything else.”
One option for Swafford, and for those eventually axed by Norman and co this year, is to now play in the Asian Tour’s International Series. That currently serves as a pathway to players to get into LIV, with the player who finishes top of the annual standings offered a mandatory place.
Mirror – Sport
